Gökçeada's Economy Discussed with Chamber President

Gökçeada's economic agenda came to light with an important visit at the Çanakkale Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ÇTSO). Mert Arık, owner of İmroz Otomotiv Tic. ve San. Ltd. Şti. and also the headman (muhtar) of Gökçeada's Yeni Mahalle, visited ÇTSO Board Chairman Selçuk Semizoğlu at the ÇTSO Congress Fair Center.

During the meeting, the island's current economic structure, operational issues of local businesses, and new business opportunities that could be realized in the region were discussed. This visit by Mert Arık, who comes from both the business world and local governance through his role as headman, stood out as a remarkable step in bringing Gökçeada's voice to Çanakkale's most important trade platform.

Semizoğlu: "Gökçeada's Potential Should Be Utilized More Effectively"

In a statement shared with the public after the visit, Selçuk Semizoğlu emphasized how critical direct communication with members is for their chamber:

"One of our chamber's main priorities is to closely monitor the dynamics on the ground by establishing a strong and sustainable communication platform with our members. In the meeting we held in this context, we conducted a productive evaluation of Gökçeada's current economic structure, the operational needs of our businesses, and business opportunities that can be developed on a local scale."

Semizoğlu also reflected the importance they place on local development in his words. Stating that ÇTSO aims to bring not only large-scale businesses but also small-scale tradesmen and entrepreneurs from islands like Gökçeada to the agenda, Semizoğlu continued:

"We value every initiative that will support local development and strengthen regional economic diversity. We will continue to work in cooperation with all stakeholders to ensure that Gökçeada's potential is utilized more effectively."

A New Bridge for the Island

For businesses operating on Gökçeada, institutional support and representation opportunities have always been scarce. In this context, Mert Arık's visit, in his capacity as both an entrepreneur and a neighborhood headman, created an opportunity to voice the island's needs on a broader scale. The meeting concluded with good wishes and mutual thanks from both parties.